Discipline and Punishment
Concepts of discipline vary. The conventional elementary school concept of discipline is based on obedience (Gartrell, 1997). Many parents and teachers see punishment as a part of discipline. However, some educators view discipline as a "neutral" term that can exclude punishment (Marion, 1995). Discipline in this article is considered to be different from punishment both in its intent and consequences. It may be referred to as positive discipline or guidance.
Positive Discipline:
is guiding and teaching;
is done with a child;
requires understanding, time, and patience;
teaches problem solving and builds a positive self-image;
develops long-term self-control and cooperation.
Punishment:
is control by fear, power, and coercion;
is done to the child;
elicits anger, guilt, resentment, and deceit;
impairs communication and wholesome parent-child relationships;
stops undesired behavior in the specific situation temporarily, but behavior often is exhibited in other ways.
All parents discipline their children by teaching them appropriate ways to behave. However, discipline is interpreted by some parents as correcting or punishing children in order to stop the reoccurrence of unacceptable behavior. Discipline comes from the Latin word disciplina, meaning instruction or teaching to correct, strengthen, or perfect. Obviously, the leader models the ideas or principles to be followed. Disciples respect and care for the messenger. If parents want their children to behave in caring and appropriate ways, they must show them how. The ultimate goal of discipline is to have children responsible for their own actions.